AFL club boss slams his OWN players in stunning swipe at the team’s star-studded awards night

Richmond president John O’Rourke appears to have taken a thinly veiled swipe at several premiership departures at the Tigers’ best and fairest awards on Tuesday evening.

The club is bracing for an exodus of several stars including Daniel Rioli, Shai Bolton, Liam Baker and Jack Graham after an embarrassing 2024 season.

Rioli is likely to end up on the Gold Coast, while Baker, Bolton and Graham are expected to head to Western Australia.

In a not-so-subtle speech, O’Rourke praised the loyalty of players who remained at the club, such as Nathan Broad.

‘Whatever happens in the trading period immediately ahead, we know we still have a very strong group of experience and leadership, with a group that still has so much to offer on the pitch, but can make an equally strong contribution in setting the standards and guiding our young players through this next phase of growth,” said O’Rourke.

“I could name a dozen players we have in this category, but just by way of example – and he probably won’t like it if I single him out – but how lucky are we to have players with the character of a Nathan Broad?

‘He’s a player drafted into an era of, well, instant club success as a player in adulthood.

“I’m sure he could have explored options this year to finish his career in his home state, or perhaps look for more lucrative options at other clubs, but he chose to extend for a further two years.”

Shai Bolton (pictured) has also told the Tigers he wants a trade to WA, but in order to publicly name a preferred destination, the 25-year-old has been linked with Fremantle

The West Australian defender signed a two-year contract extension last month.

O’Rourke then read Broad’s quote, in which he said, “Nobody really wanted me as a 22-year-old, but Richmond did.” “I owe this club a complete debt of gratitude and I want to get us back on the ladder, and that’s exciting.”

O’Rourke ended by saying, “What a Richmond man. And I thought his optimism about the place this year was just brilliant.”

The club chairman also supported coach Adem Yze after a gloomy season.

“I want to make it very clear tonight that our board stands 100 percent behind Adem and our football department leaders Blair Hartley and Tim Livingstone,” O’Rourke said.

“They now have the opportunity to own and make their mark on the next generation of the Richmond Football Club.

“I’m sure our fans really share in the excitement of the players who have stepped up this year, the players who will return from long-term injury in 2025 and the many opportunities we may have. hiring new talent later this year.”

The event in Richmond was attended by Rioli, Bolton, Baker and Graham despite their desire to leave the club, in contrast to St Kilda’s position on Josh Battle.

Battle was told not to attend the Saints’ club championship function after indicating his intention to join Hawthorn.

While Graham can leave Richmond as a free agent, the Tigers will finalize deals for Bolton, Baker and Rioli when the 10-day trade period begins Monday.

Three of the four players looking to leave Richmond finished in the top five of the best and fairest, won by Daniel Rioli (pictured)

The Tigers are believed to be eyeing Gold Coast’s national draft pick in a deal for Rioli, who expressed his love for the club as he collected his club champion award.

“I love all of you in the room,” Rioli said.

Perth-born Baker, who was part of Richmond’s 2019 and 2020 premierships, also spoke of his gratitude to the club.

“I appreciate everything the club has done for myself and my family over the years and this year… I can’t wait to support the club and it will look great from a distance,” he said.